One of the most vibrant and influential communities in the Nigerian entertainment scene is the Alté community. This community name, which is coined from the word “alternative,” encompasses music (mainly), fashion, art, and culture.
BOJ, Teezee, and Fresh L (known as DRB Lasgidi) are credited as the founding fathers of the Alté movement. Ajebutter 22, who is also a well-respected forerunner of the community, contributed to its growth with his music, with songs such as “Omo Pastor” and “Bad Gang” standing amongst other songs as a solid foundation musically for the Alté community and genre as a whole.
Zamir, alongside Tomi Thomas, Bridge, and Brisb, members of the group L.O.S, are also legends of the Alté movement.
From left Media personnel, Fresh L, Boj & Teezee (Founding fathers)
Alté music, while distinct from the mainstream Nigerian music scene, remained familiar to listeners due to its blend of diverse musical elements, lyrical themes, and sounds, combined with funky, bouncy beats and drum patterns. It wasn’t long before people fell in love with the genre, with artists like Cruel Santino, Zamir, and Odunsi (The Engine) gaining recognition through the legendary song “Alté Cruise.” This song served as a proper introduction for many, familiarizing them with the Alté community and movement. The song title itself, “Alté Cruise,” suggests an invitation into the smooth and stylish world of Alté. All of this transpired during 2016-2017, the years that brought significant attention to the Alté sounds.
From left: Odunsi (The Engine), Maka, Lady Donli & Cruel Santino
From the breakout of “Alté Cruise,” many other hit songs from the Alté scene emerged, such as “Rapid Fire” by Cruel Santino, “Try Me” by Tems, “Divine” by Odunsi (The Engine), and “Cash” and “Corner” by Lady Donli.
In 2018, Guardian Life Magazine even featured Odunsi (The Engine), Maka, Lady Donli, and Santi on the cover of its latest issue, titled “Vibes of The New Age.” This special edition showcased the music scene, delved into the artistic journeys of these rising stars, and explored their aspirations for the future. They were referred to as a special breed of artists with a fresh air in the Nigerian music scene, highlighting the distinct and unique nature of their music.
Earlier this week, conversations on music X (Twitter) erupted, with opinions from people claiming that Alté music is slowly declining and losing its “juice.” With numerous opinions circulating online, it’s crucial to step back and rewind, examining the Alté movement’s growth since it began gaining attention in 2016. It’s important not to neglect the growth in the music approach, sound, and musical style evident in numerous Alté projects, such as Odunsi (The Engine)’s Rare and his subsequent projects, EVERYTHING YOU HEARD IS TRUE and Denim, as well as Cruel Santino’s Mandy & The Jungle and its follow-up, Subaru Boy: FINAL HEAVEN. The evolution in their sound is evident; a consistent theme pattern and direction is heard, tailored to tell their story of growth, a trend observed in many other albums from the Alté music scene.
To say that Alté music died a slow death is to turn a blind eye to the growth and creativity of the artists within the genre. And beyond music, the Alté community has created some of the best visuals that have helped give the audience a feel for the culture and the movement. Music videos like Odunsi (The Engine)’s “Star Signs,” a display of cultural swag in Nigerian native attire and a glimpse of a Nigerian party, Cruel Santino’s action-themed music video for “Rapid Fire,” Prettyboy D-O’s “Police N Teef,” and Odunsi (The Engine)’s “Wetin Dey,” among many others, all boast standout visuals.
The alté fashion scene has also grown stronger with annual events that bring fashion creatives and underground streetwear brands together to showcase their style and brands. StreetSouk is one of the fashion conventions that has all the youths and creatives in one place at a time, sharing their fashion on a bigger platform. Likewise, Ourmotherland’s annual event, which mixes fashion and music together, also brings fashion industry heads, designers, and many more to share ideas and gems with young creatives in Nigeria who are into the fashion business.
The alté music festival scene is not left out either, with fests such as the annual Nativeland that had the city of Lagos turning up in December, and the newly formed Alté festival by none other than BOJ, called “Ourland Alté,” which held its first edition on December 30, 2023, and its second edition in 2024, bringing fans and artists together. Lady Donli’s annual Enjoy Your Life concert, Odunsi (The Engine)’s December shows, and Zamir’s PlayStation concert have also contributed significantly to the vibrant alté music scene.
These annual concerts and events within the Alté community have demonstrated a strong bond and dynamic connections between the fans and the musicians and creators within the space. Each year, these events grow bigger, better, and stronger, showcasing a continuous evolution.
